Passion. It’s a word that permeates and drives so much of our work at Survivor Fitness. It fuels the determination of our participants as they reclaim their health and rebuild their lives through our programs. It drives the dedication of the trainers, therapists, and dietitians who guide them on their journey. And it underpins the unwavering commitment of our volunteers, supporters, advocates, and board members who help us amplify our impact.
Passion is also the perfect word to describe one of our dedicated board members, Peyton Cherry. A native Knoxvillian, Peyton’s connection to Survivor Fitness began through mutual friends who introduced him to our founders, Aaron and Meg Grunke. Hearing Aaron’s story of resilience during his own battle with cancer deeply inspired Peyton, prompting him to get involved.
A Heart for Transformation
“I was truly inspired not only by Aaron’s story,” Peyton says, “but by all of those who’ve participated in the Survivor Fitness programs. The organization strives to do good on the largest possible scale, which truly shows within the community of tightly knit individuals who participate in this program.”
Peyton’s involvement with Survivor Fitness began to grow as he attended more events, including our Knoxville Survivor Soirée. This event, which featured a live auction, was particularly meaningful to Peyton. The auction raised funds for the financial support and scholarships we offer to participants, ensuring that anyone who needs our programs can access them.
“Seeing all the attendees raise their paddles and donate generously to promote the cause was beyond special to witness,” Peyton reflected.
It’s no surprise then that Peyton’s passion, coupled with his strong ties to the Knoxville community, made him a perfect candidate for our board in 2023. His primary focus is to expand our reach and connect with businesses and individuals who share our mission. He believes this increased exposure will draw in more resources and support and attract a wider range of participants who could benefit from Survivor Fitness programs.
“With the year-over-year growth of Survivor Fitness,” Peyton says with optimism, “the number of people able to join this program is only going to increase. The ability to touch so many lives is amazing, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
The Power of Community
Beyond passion, Peyton understands the power of community. As a real estate agent, he witnesses firsthand the profound impact that a strong support network can make for cancer survivors. This understanding resonates deeply with Survivor Fitness’ core values.
“The feeling of having folks around you with similar stories helps to invoke hope among the individuals within it,” Peyton explains. “The Survivor Fitness programs are not only special to me, but to so many within the community.”
At Survivor Fitness, we are incredibly grateful for Peyton’s unwavering passion and boundless energy. His dedication to expanding our reach allows us to empower more cancer survivors as they move towards a happier, healthier future after treatment.
